When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The government has announced plans to restrict the booming energy drinks market.

Health experts hope that the move will help to tackle childhood obesity, as well as encourage better behaviour in classrooms.

If propositions go forward, under 18s could be barred from buying the caffeine-filled products.

So what do these drinks actually contain and are they bad for you?

What is the proposed energy drinks ban?

The government announced it is reviewing legislation concerning energy drinks.

Many retailers do not sell energy drinks to under-16s, but there are plans to introduce a blanket ban with restrictions for under-18s also being considered.

Products that contain more than 150mg per litre, including Red Bull, Monster and Relentless, could be affected by proposed rules.

Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: “We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to there health and education, and we know that drinks packed to the brim with caffeine, and often sugar, are becoming a common fixture of their diet.

“Our children already consume 50% more of these drinks than our European counterparts, and teachers have made worrying links between energy drinks and poor behaviour in the classroom.”

Research suggests that the fizzy drinks can cause mental health problems and kidney damage.

Children in particular should be banned from buying energy drinks because they can cause high blood pressure, heart problems and obesity on top of rotting teeth.

According to a study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, the caffeine-laden beverages can fuel risk-seeking behaviour like alcohol and drugs abuse, accidents and violence.

Dr Mattei said: ”We summarise the consequences of energy drink consumption, which include heart, kidney and dental problems, as well as risk-seeking behaviour and poor mental health.

"The evidence suggests they are harmful to health and should be limited through more stringent regulation by restricting their sales to children and adolescents, as well as setting an evidence based upper limit on the amount of caffeine."